Paintings and drawings by emerging New Jersey artists with developmental disabilities will be featured in the Bodell/Fahey Umbrella Arts Booth (A7) at the Outsider Art Fair in New York City, January 26-29, 2012. These artists study and work at the West Orange studio of JSDD’s WAE (Wellness, Arts, Enrichment) Center, an alternative learning center for adults with a broad range of disabilities.
Louis’s subject matter is often about life in the country or cowboys. He has a substantial collection of cowboy hats, and he is rarely seen without one. His work was most recently exhibited in a juried show, “Illustrious,” at Gallery One in Newark. He and the other WAE Center members whose work will be on display at the 2012 Outsider Art Fair are delighted to be exhibiting as first-time artists in this important show. One featured artist, Louis D., has been participating in the WAE Center program since May 2010. He has continually developed his very individual technique, supported by a staff of art facilitators, all of whom are working artists themselves. These mentors carry out the person-centered philosophy of the WAE Center as they encourage each blossoming artist through a process that focuses on the potential existing in every individual. WAE Center Director Marilynn Schneider calls this “finding the spark within.”
Thanks to this fair and dealers like Bodell/Fahey Umbrella Arts, who have brought previously unknown artists to the attention of collectors, many careers have been launched and are flourishing for artists of progressive art programs internationally.
Operating as a program of Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled of Metrowest, Inc. (JSD0}; the WAE Center provides artistic, educational and health enhancing opportunities to people with disabilities. JSDD is the lead, multi-purpose agency dedicated to providing an integrated program of community education, advocacy, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. To learn more about JSDD’s WAE Center, visit our Facebook
The Outsider Art Fair will run January 27-29, 2012 at 7 West 34th Street, near Fifth Avenue. Hours are: Friday, 11 am – 8 pm; Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm; and Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm. Admission during regular fair hours is$ 20 daily.